The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department invites all area seniors to participate in a wide variety of ongoing programs at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road.

Senior programs are designed for residents age 55 and older (unless otherwise noted). For more information, contact Mary Clark at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25 or view the monthly newsletter at www.wcparksandrec.com. You may also receive up-to-date information by “liking” us on Facebook. Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. Some programs require pre-registration.

Aquamotion - Arthritic/Post Rehab Water Class

Is the pain of everyday living getting you down? Then join Heather Atkinson’s “Aquamotion” on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. This class provides an opportunity for people with arthritis and post-rehab conditions to improve flexibility, coordination and muscle strength. No registration required. Please pay at the front desk before class! The fee is $2 for participants ages 55 and older and $3 for ages 54 and younger.

Power Tools

Nancy Rieves, a certified personal trainer, leads this group fitness class designed to increase strength and flexibility for independent living. Power Tools is for ages 55 and older, and no registration is required! Classes are held on ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, (skip 3/7) from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. The fee is $3 per class paid at the front desk. Wear comfortable clothes!

BOWLING

Seniors are invited to join Williamson County Parks and Recreation for drop-in bowling on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Franklin Entertainment Center, 1200 Lakeview Dr. Enjoy bowling with friends without the obligation of a league. Games are $1, paid to the bowling center, and the fee includes shoes. For more information, contact Mary Clark at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25.

Potluck and BINGO

Seniors are invited to monthly potluck and bingo on Monday, March 26, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. Meat and drinks will be provided, and participants are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Registration is required February 27-March 25. Call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10. Please note: due to potluck preparations, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. There is no charge for this event!

	All classes and events are held at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road in Franklin. Registration is required for all classes, unless otherwise noted. Call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information contact:

Debbie Sims, Public Information Assistant

Williamson County Parks & Recreation Dept.

1120 Hillsboro Road

Franklin, Tennessee 37064

(615) 790-5719, ext. 42

 

 

Seniors, age 55 and older, are invited to join the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department on a trip to see the smash Broadway musical “Wicked” at TPAC on October 20. “Wicked” has won over 35 major theatre awards and has been hailed as “best musical of the decade.”

The cost is $81 per person, which includes transportation and the show. Transportation will be provided from the Longview Recreation Center, 2909 Commonwealth Drive in Spring Hill and the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Check-in at Longview will begin at 11 a.m., and the group is estimated to return at 7 p.m. Check-in at Franklin will begin at noon, and the group is estimated to return at 6:15 p.m. Space is limited for this event.

Registration is from September 16 to October 10 or until full. Registration may be made in person or by speaking with a receptionist at (615) 302-0971, ext. 10 in Spring Hill or (615) 790-5719, ext. 10 in Franklin. No messages please. To hold a reservation, payment must be received within five days of the initial registration. Payments may be mailed or made in person at either of the locations listed above. Refunds are available through the last day of registration.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone, including out-of-county residents, can register for and participate in classes and events, even if you don’t have a facility pass!

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department invites seniors ages 55 and over to join the Senior Wii Bowling League at The Longview Recreation Center, 2909 Commonwealth Drive in Spring Hill. 

Our league will consist of 7 teams, with 4 people per team. You may register as an individual or a team; if you don’t have a team we will find one for you. League play starts September 1 and will be held on Thursdays from 10 a.m-12 noon. Teams will compete for the “Wii Champion Title” at the end of the season on November 10. Space is limited, early registration is recommended. Registration is from August 4-August 18. Spectators are welcome! For more information or to register, call the Longview Recreation Center at (615) 302-0971, ext. 10. This is a free program.

Seniors, age 55 and older, join the Williamson County Parks and Recreation for a Mature Driving Course on Tuesday and Thursday, May 3 and 5 at the Longview Recreation Center, 2909 Commonwealth Drive in Spring Hill.

Participants will learn current rules of the road, defensive driving techniques, and how to operate your vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment.

You'll also learn adjustments to accommodate common age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time.

The class is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and the cost is $12 for AARP members or $14 for non-members. This is a two day course and participants must attend both days to receive credit.

Space is limited so make sure to register early! Registration will be from April 11-May 2. To register call (615) 302-0971, ext. 10.

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department invites all area seniors to participate in a wide variety of ongoing senior programs at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road.

Senior programs are designed for residents age 55 and older (unless otherwise noted). For more information about senior programming, contact Traci Hamby at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25 or view the monthly newsletter at www.wcparksandrec.com. You may also receive up-to-date information by “liking” us on Facebook.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. Some programs require pre-registration.

BOWLING

Seniors (age 55 and older) who like to bowl but don’t want the commitment of a league, can drop in to practice their game on Tuesdays, March 1-29 at 9:30 a.m. Bowling fees are $1 per game paid directly to the Franklin Family Entertainment Center. Don’t miss this fun and affordable activity! No registration is necessary. Participants should meet at the Franklin Family Entertainment Center, 1200 Lakeview Drive in Franklin. For more information, contact the Franklin Recreation Complex at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25 or visit www.wcparksandrec.com.

Aquamotion - Arthritic/Post Rehab Water Class

Is the pain of everyday living getting you down? Then get up and join Heather Atkinson’s “Aquamotion” on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. This class provides an opportunity for people with arthritis and post-rehab conditions to improve flexibility, coordination and muscle strength. No registration required. Please pay at the front desk before class! The fee is $2 for participants ages 55 and older and $3 for ages 54 and under.

Power Tools

Nancy Rieves, a certified personal trainer, leads this class designed to increase strength and flexibility for independent living. No registration required! Classes are held on ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, (skip 3/2), from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. The fee is $3 per class paid at the front desk. Wear comfortable clothes!

Potluck and BINGO

Seniors are invited to a monthly potluck on Monday, March 14, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. Participants are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Meat and drinks will be provided. After lunch, participants will play a game of Bingo. Please note: due to potluck preparations, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required February 14-March 13. Please remember to register by calling (615) 790-5719, ext. 10. There is no charge for this event!

 

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department invites area seniors to enjoy a performance of “The Foreigner” at the Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre on Thursday, March 31.

“The Foreigner” is the hilarious story of a British demolition expert who visits a fishing lodge in rural Georgia, bringing along a pathologically shy “foreigner” named Charlie. Due to Charlie’s supposed lack of ability to understand English, the eccentric lodge occupants unwittingly reveal their darkest secrets and scandals.

Transportation will be provided from the Longview Recreation Center, 2909 Commonwealth Drive in Spring Hill and the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. Check-in at Longview will begin at 9:15 a.m., and the group is estimated to return at 4:30 p.m. Check-in at Franklin will begin at 10:15 a.m. and the group is estimated to return at 3:30 p.m.

The cost is $35 per person, and participants should bring a brown bag lunch. Gratuity for soft drinks is Dutch treat. Register from January 24-February 21 or until full.

 

Registration may be made in person or by speaking with a receptionist at (615) 302-0971, ext. 10 in Spring Hill or (615) 790-5719, ext. 10 in Franklin. No messages please. To hold a reservation, payment must be received within 5 days of the initial registration. Payments may be mailed or made in person at either of the locations listed above. Refunds are available through the last day of registration.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone, including out-of-county residents, can register for and participate in classes and events, even if you don’t have a facility pass!

Please be aware that space is LIMITED for this event. Reservations will be accepted on a “first come, first served” basis until full. Registration begins Monday June 22nd Payments must be made within 5 days of registration or by Monday, July 13th in order to secure your reservation. Please call 302-0971 ext. 10 to register your family today!

For more information on department events please visit www.wcparksandrec.com.

 

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department invites all area seniors to participate in a wide variety of ongoing senior programs at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. Senior programs are designed for residents age 55 and older (unless otherwise noted).

For more information about senior programming, contact Traci Hamby at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25 or view the monthly newsletter at www.wcparksandrec.com. Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. Some programs require pre-registration.

BOWLING

Seniors (age 55 and older) who like to bowl but don’t want the commitment of a league, can drop in to practice their game on Tuesdays, February 1 through April 12 at 9:30 a.m. Bowling fees are $1 per game paid directly to the Franklin

Family Entertainment Center. Don’t miss this fun and affordable activity! No registration is necessary. Participants should meet at the Franklin Family Entertainment Center, 1200 Lakeview Drive in Franklin. For more information, contact the Franklin Recreation Complex at (615) 790-5719, ext. 25 or visit www.wcparksandrec.com.

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Aquamotion - Arthritic/Post Rehab Water Class

Is the pain of everyday living getting you down? Then get up and join Heather Atkinson’s “Aquamotion” on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road (skip 2/21). This class provides an opportunity for people with arthritis and post-rehab conditions to improve flexibility, coordination and muscle strength. No registration required. Please pay at the front desk before class! The fee is $2 for participants ages 55 and older and $3 for ages 54 and under.

Power Tools

Nancy Rieves, a certified personal trainer, leads this class designed to increase strength and flexibility for independent living. No registration required! Classes are held on ongoing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, (skip 2/2 & 2/21), from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. The fee is $3 per class paid at the front desk. Wear comfortable clothes!

Potluck and BINGO

Seniors are invited to a monthly potluck on Monday, February 14, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road. Participants are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. Meat and drinks will be provided. After lunch, participants will play a game of Bingo. Please note: due to potluck preparations, doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Registration is required January 10-February 13. Please remember to register by calling (615) 790-5719, ext. 10. There is no charge for this event!

	For more information contact: Debbie Sims, Public Information Assistant Williamson County Parks & Recreation Dept. 1120 Hillsboro Road Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-5719, ext. 42		All classes and events are held at the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Road in Franklin Registration is required for all classes, unless otherwise noted. Call (615) 790-5719, ext. 10.

 

(ARA) - We all know the feeling that comes with the first great day of spring. When the sun is shining, the air smells sweet and fresh and the temperatures are warm, we all feel the urge to get outside and throw off the confinement of the winter months. Whether you're an avid athlete, a dedicated gardener or someone who's been meaning to get started on an exercise program, the arrival of spring is one sure way to get you moving.

No one is immune from the desire to get outdoors and do something active while enjoying the weather - and that includes people with chronic pain issues. Whether you're dealing with arthritis or trying to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, the threat of pain is one of the most challenging obstacles to overcome for those who want to live an active lifestyle, because no one wants to take the risk of aggravating their health problems.

But even if you're living with pain, it's essential to heed the call of the outdoors this spring and be active. There are plenty of ways to mitigate pain issues and avoid further injury. The important thing is to consult your doctor and to work out a plan together that will let you get the exercise you want and need without worsening your pain. And, in fact, exercising can be an important part of overcoming some of those issues - as long as it's done in the right way.

There are a lot of activities that we all love to do that require a lot of repetitive motion. Tennis is a popular sport for all ages, and a game that can be played over a lifetime, but for people suffering from joint pain and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the repeated swinging motions required for a good volley can drive them off the court.

Similarly, gardeners eager to get their hands in the dirt can be limited by pain that crops up with the repetitious motion involved in tilling, preparing beds, digging and planting. For people suffering from CTS, whether they are gardeners, tennis players or otherwise, supportive gloves can provide the relief they need. One example, IMAK's SmartGlove, features a comfortably flexible support splint that keeps hands in a good position without being stiff, and helps to relieve or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. It's ideal for active lifestyles because it is breathable and washable, and it's an effective non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is an important part of dealing with back pain. Not only does it strengthen the muscles and joints, but it can stretch contracted muscles, improve posture and even help protect against injury by improving your overall fitness.

Another health problem that exercise can positively affect is arthritis. When you go outside and start being active this spring, you can help your arthritis with activities like tai chi, strengthening exercises and cardio exercise that get your heart working. It's recommended that you protect your joints by warming them up prior to exercise, and by being gentle on your body - starting out too hard and fast can cause problems. Support products like IMAK's SmartGlove can also help you stay in good alignment as you work out.

Don't resist the urge to soak in the sunshine because of pain and discomfort this spring. Not only is getting outside easier than ever with supportive therapies, but it's an essential part of living a healthier, pain-free life.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Schools with only a third of the students sitting in chairs, offices sending out notices to employees asking anyone with a fever or cough to please stay home, and hand sanitizer stations popping up everywhere; the signs are very visible this year that flu season has arrived.

Seasonal and H1N1 flu viruses are making big headlines. And while everyone has the potential to catch either variety, senior citizens tend to suffer more from the complications of flu.

"It's a good idea for everyone - including caretakers of senior citizens - to get the flu shot. And there are many other ways to help prevent the spread of viruses from one person to another," says Richard Bitner with Visiting Angels, a senior home-care service. "If you provide care, or even just frequently visit with a senior, pay attention to their living environment to make sure it is safe and protects your loved one from viruses. And make sure you take care of yourself as well, so you don't pass on the germs."

Seniors are more vulnerable because they spend time with grandchildren, get out and explore new activities and visit with friends and family. The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 50 get a yearly flu vaccine because the flu can be more serious and even deadly for seniors. About 36,000 people die from flu complications annually, and of those deaths, 90 percent are age 65 or older.

In addition to getting both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following steps to help protect your health:

* If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone - unless you need to get medical care.

* Even if you aren't sick, keep your home stocked with a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubbing solution and tissues, so that if you do start experiencing symptoms, you don't need to go out and to purchase supplies.

* Wash your hands every day with soap and water - or if this isn't available, hand sanitizer.

* Avoid close contact with sick people.

When you are visiting a senior citizen in senior home care, make sure they have supplies on hand and are practicing good personal hygiene. Do they have a squirt bottle of soap next to every sink in their house? Do the counters and bathroom sinks get cleaned frequently? Are tissues available next to chairs in every room?

Remember, seniors may not pay attention to basic preventative measures when it comes to viruses. But by practicing good health habits yourself, you can help keep them from getting sick from the flu. For more information about flu prevention and seniors, visit visitingangels.com/library.asp.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - It's been called "the disease of kings" because of its association with historical figures like Henry VIII, Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Newton, but gout, a painful and potentially debilitating form of arthritis, is anything but a "historical" condition. In fact, 3 million to 5 million Americans currently suffer from gout, and this number is expected to rise as the population ages.

Despite gout's growing prevalence, results from a survey of more than 2,000 Americans reveal that 65 percent of adults admitted to being "not at all knowledgeable" about gout. The new survey by the Gout & Uric Acid Education Society illustrates major gaps in the public's understanding of the condition.

"Gout has a rich history, but the notion that the condition is no longer a major health problem can't be further from the truth," says Dr. N. Lawrence Edwards, chairman of the Gout & Uric Acid Education Society, a specialist in rheumatology and professor of medicine at the University of Florida, Gainesville. "What many people don't realize is the number of Americans with gout has actually doubled over the past 30 years."

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis and the most common form of inflammatory arthritis among adults. It causes sudden intense pain and swelling in the joints and, if left untreated, can lead to permanent joint damage and destruction of tissue.

The survey revealed that many Americans don't realize just how serious a condition gout can be - almost half (49 percent) of adults were not aware of the potential crippling effects of gout, such as needing to use a cane or walker, or having to stop working because of limited mobility. More than 70 percent did not know that gout is a form of arthritis.

"Advanced gout leads to the same level of work loss, physical disability and diminished quality of life seen in advanced rheumatoid arthritis, but, as these survey results indicate, the severity of the disease remains underappreciated," Edwards says. "People with gout are often stereotyped as being overindulgent or heavy drinkers, and there is a perception that sufferers bring the condition on themselves. If we are going to improve care for the growing number of Americans living with gout, these myths need to be corrected."

If you have gout or think you may be at risk, Edwards and the experts at the Gout & Uric Acid Education Society have some tips to help manage the condition:

1. Know the risk factors and triggers for gout

Risk factors include obesity, previous joint injury or disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, genetics (one out of four people with gout has a family history of the condition) and elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia).

Triggers for attacks include surgery or sudden severe illness; consumption of large quantities of purine-rich foods, especially meat products; or excessive intake of alcohol, especially beer.

2. Stay in control of your uric acid levels

Most experts agree that lowering a person's uric acid level to less than 6.0 mg/dL is helpful to reduce urate crystal accumulation and prevent the consequences of hyperuricemia and gout. It is important to work with your physician to monitor your uric acid level.

3. Talk to your doctor and visit www.GoutEducation.org to learn more

The www.GoutEducation.org Web site features a downloadable patient brochure with key information about gout.

Courtesy of ARAcontent